Puerto Rico Support & Relief Efforts

#UML4PuertoRico – A UMass Lowell initiative to provide sustained support and relief to Puerto Rican communities affected by Hurricane Maria.

A combination of NOAA satellite images taken at night shows Puerto Rico in July (top), and on Sept. 24, 2017, after Hurricane Maria knocked out the island's power grid. NASA/NOAA/Handout/Reuters

Overview

On September 20, 2017 Puerto Rico was devastated by category 4 Hurricane Maria. Over 4 months after the initial devastation, Puerto Rico is still in great need and is working to rebuild.

It is our goal to work collaboratively within the UMass Lowell community to support Puerto Rico. There are many within our UMass Lowell community who have been directly impacted because they have family on the island.

Massachusetts has the fifth highest population of Puerto Ricans so the impact to our greater community is pretty extensive.

This past fall 50 boxes of supplies were collected and sent to Puerto Rico.

UMass Lowell Puerto Rico Seed Campaign

We are currently collecting seeds for the UMass Lowell Puerto Rico Seed Campaign through March 1, 2018.

Goals

Photo by U.S. Customs and Border Protection photo by Kris Grogan

Homes lay in ruin as seen from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter during a flyover of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

Focus on sustainable efforts that offer long term relief and allow the Puerto Rican people autonomy in how they recover. Areas of high need include cultivating a reliable food source, access to clean water, and construction/repair of permanent residences.

Create a sustained campaign that is responsive to the needs of the people on the ground as they move into the rebuilding stage. Collaborate with Puerto Rican grassroots organizations to support their needs.

Create and promote long term opportunities for UMass Lowell community members to engage with the people of Puerto Rico via this project.